Side lighting for safety
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,190
From: In your head rent free
Lighting on the sides may just confuse the driver of the other vehicle. Make sure it can be recognized in a split second by a cell phone talking, mini van driver.
If it is that much of a concern, maybe a reflective vest or helmet strip. Some jackets have reflective piping that glows with very little reflective light.
If it is that much of a concern, maybe a reflective vest or helmet strip. Some jackets have reflective piping that glows with very little reflective light.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
There are many examples of emergency vehicles with lights flashing and sirens blaring and still getting hit. Hell, some dough head hit a fully illuminated building last night in Atlanta!
Sorry my friend, but with all the other vehicles, signs, and strip malls in the background, a few more lights will most likely just blend into the scenery. You might want to re-think the whole "more lights are good" thing.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
If you're depending on a cager seeing you and acting right as a safety measure you're in big trouble. "I didn't see him" is the excuse they use even when they hit Railroad trains! All the extra lighting in the world ain't gonna make any difference. They'll still say "But officer I didn't see him." when they screw up. Now if you actually believe that phoney excuse and take responsibility for their not paying attention while they're texting, reading, or B.S.ing on the cell, put on more lights. You have to ride defensively, like every cager is out to kill you. Put all the extra lights on your bike you want, but don't expect to be any safer.
Nothing wrong with trying to increase visibility,I'm definitely getting an LED tailight but it isn't gonna be worth as much as my review mirrors.
As for the op...about the only thing that increases my sideways visibility on my bike is the LED light bars on either side of the Ultra's tourpak.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 0
From: Tidewater
I use the LED light strips from Joe FLorida. Under my fuel tank, under the frame and under A/C and Horn. Multi colored so I can light up and not violate laws against specific colors in certain states. Gives good illumination from sides and back, looks like the bike is riding on a 'cloud' of light. and looks pretty cool too, IMO...BUT I agree with other folks, some people aren't going to see ANYTHING especially if they are distracted!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon Ohio
I am a big believer of LED lights to light that bike up, but some cagers will not see you still. Most people will see you if you light it up though. I have 8 different levels of intensity of solid on light, and several that flash, but you want to check the state laws where you live. I love to light them up for the safety and customization also. Red, green and blue will be your brightest colors....
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: MD
I have the same concern as you about being seen from the side, I added then converted my side lights on the tour pak into turn signals(ride time Flashr R module). (I know you don't have a trunk) I was also looking at the lighted passenger floor board covers and figuring I could probably wire those in to act as side turn signals also by tapping the other setup.
I know cagers will always say they can't see us, but I figure I will at least give them a chance by adding the extra lights..
be interested in what you end up adding....
I know there are a lot of products out there that will work for what you want, but finding the look you want might take a bit.
I know cagers will always say they can't see us, but I figure I will at least give them a chance by adding the extra lights..
be interested in what you end up adding....
I know there are a lot of products out there that will work for what you want, but finding the look you want might take a bit.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 4
From: Fennario
traylestrat, another option for you might be the directional LEDs like those available at Walter's Workshop: http://www.waltersworkshop.com/led-d...nal-bulbs.html
They have 12 LEDs on the top layer that face forward. Then they have 3 more layers, each with 9 LEDs that are perpendicular so they emit light to the side. Just a suggestion.
They have 12 LEDs on the top layer that face forward. Then they have 3 more layers, each with 9 LEDs that are perpendicular so they emit light to the side. Just a suggestion.